Certified Practice: DST Update Notification (STI)

The decision support tools (DSTs) for each category of CRNBC-certified practice undergo a review every two years to ensure they reflect changes in best practice. The process includes a literature review, updating of references, consultation with clinical experts and feedback from nurses who use the DSTs.

Revisions to the Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Management Certified Practice DSTs were approved in February 2014 and are now posted
on the CRNBC website.
Be sure to replace any previous versions of DSTs with the revised versions.

The following DSTs have been reviewed and revised:

STI AssessmentPlease note that previously, STI certified RNs were required to refer all clients under the age of 14 years to a physician or Nurse Practitioner (NP). This DST now includes low barrier screening techniques (e.g., urine specimen and/or vaginal swabs) for asymptomatic clients aged 12-13 years, as well as asymptomatic clients aged 12-13 years who are also a contact to STI. The change was based on feedback from nurses who use the DSTs who identified a need to be able to provide a level of assessment and potential prophylaxis for this client population.